"The government has started establishing Gas Utility Tribunals (GUTs) in four provincial capitals with the purpose to check gas theft and punish gas thieves."
This was stated by Abid Saeed, Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources here on Thursday.
The committee was informed that the government has already approved the establishment of GUTs in Lahore and Peshawar, while establishment of GUTs in Karachi and Quetta will soon be approved.
"The informer of the gas theft will get five percent of the fined amount as a reward beside special award. Majority of the consumers involved in gas theft are domestic consumers, while industrial and commercial consumers are also involved in gas theft, Abid stated.
The committee snubbed Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources and other senior officials of the Petroleum Ministry for not accompanying the committee members during their visit to Sandek and Karak areas.
Senator Abdul Nabi Bux, while lamenting over the behaviour of the senior officials of the Petroleum Ministry said that in his area district Karak there is no issue of law and order. He said that officials of the gas distribution companies ie Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) are involved in the gas theft.
Chairman Standing Committee, Senator Mohammad Yousaf informed the meeting that a Lahore based industrial has complained that SNGPL has sent him bill of Rs 900 million only because he belongs to the Opposition. He said that officials responsible for distribution of gas bills and meter checking are sending estimated bills to consumers.